Does a healthy lifestyle include nuts or are nuts healthy?

A University of Otago study identifies the profile of nut consumers and the associations between nut consumption and chronic disease.

A recent paper published by University of Otago, titled “Associations between Nut Consumption and Health vary between Omnivores, Vegetarians and Vegans”[1], had ‘tweeted posts’ sending a confusing message. The concluding point from the authors was higher nut consumption appeared overall to be associated with greater benefits amongst omnivores compared to vegetarians and vegans but the authors hid the most valid point in the discussion – nut consumption may be a marker for a healthier lifestyle.

“Tweeted” posts did not give the right message

Why do this study

Nuts are a good source of healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, protein and fibre. Regular consumption has already been associated[2] with reduced chronic disease through a better blood lipid profile and lower BMI.

The University of Otago considered establishing a nut consumer profile for effective targeting any public health strategies promoting nut consumption

The better nutrient profile observed among nut consumers is consistent with both previous epidemiologic and intervention trials

Who Participated?

The UK Women’s Cohort Study provided the dietary data for the study. In the 1990’s, the UK Women’s Cohort Study collected data from over 34,000 women aged between 25 and 69 years. The data collection was via a validated[3] food frequency questionnaire[4]. Whole nuts were measured excluding nut butters.

The study population were primarily European women, average age = 52 years and BMI of 25, only 11% were smokers, 27% held a degree and more than 50% were in professional or managerial positions. Vegetarians made up 27% and vegans 1% of the study population.

How was the data analysed

Of the women, 16% consumed no nuts, 32% ate nuts more than twice a week and the remaining 52% consumed nuts once per week or less. The nut eating population was compared with the non-nut eaters to look for statistical differences and an analysis was done within the nut eaters to see if higher nut consumption had more benefits.

What did they find

This cross-sectional analysis[5] found nut consumers had higher energy intakes and were physically more active. They consumed more protein and fat but fewer carbohydrates. They had reduced anthropometric measures[6] (after allowing for the extra energy intake). Nut consumers showed a better quality of overall diet with higher levels of calcium, iron and zinc. Vitamins A, B[7], D and E dietary levels were higher. Nut consumers had reduced prevalence of high cholesterol, hypertension, heart attack, diabetes and gallstones.

There were many linear relationships where the outcomes were better with the more nuts eaten and nut consumption benefits tended to be greater amongst omnivores than vegetarians and vegans. Vegans were a very small group (only 1%) so this assumption cannot be relied on.

Strengths and weaknesses of study

The significant number of women in the cohort with different dietary patterns gave the study strength.

Study participants were women and it is unlikely the results could be extrapolated to a male population. Additionally, participants in the UK Women’s Cohort Study were collected via a mail questionnaire therefore not purely random and could contain bias within the population.

The UK Women’s Cohort Study was funded by the World Cancer Research Fund and no authors declared any conflicts of interest.

Food for thought

Science aside, do you eat lots of nuts (> 2 times per week). Do you consider your lifestyle to be healthier than your non-nut eating companions? Do you fit into a nut eater profile –educated and physically active?

Cost is a barrier to eating nuts and could be one reason why the educated professional eats nuts.

Finally, if you liked this post, please spread it around like peanut butter.